'Life under Water: A Hastings Celebration' exhibition 2 July - 6 September 2015

Thursday 2nd July 2015


Exhibition of new work at the Jerwood Gallery, inspired by the seaside town
Quentin Blake returns to the gallery this summer, this time casting his eye over Hastings.  Following the success of his 2014 exhibition 'Artists on the Beach' in which Quentin depicted artists which feature in the Jerwood's collection, Quentin's new work focuses on characters from in and around Hastings town and beach.  He has created 26 new works that show the vibrancy of this historic town and the sea that defines it.

Quentin Blake captures the vitality of the people of Hastings, but sets them beneath the waves. Pirates swirl merrily around dogs chasing sticks, children on the beach, performers, morris dancers and fish.  Quentin first explored the concept of 'Life under Water' in 2009, in his series of drawings for the Gordon Hospital in London, where he created a series of fully-clothed swimmers carrying on their everyday lives in a sub-marine environment.

For Hastings in 2015, Quentin says, ‘it is not an exhibition for children, even though it’s one they won’t have any difficulty with, and it’s not a collection of drawings by me that Jerwood Gallery happens to be putting on. I have created it specifically for the gallery and the works won’t appear anywhere else.'

All works featured in the exhibition are available to purchase for £3,000 each (including VAT). To enquire about a works list or to purchase a work, telephone 01424 728377 or email [email protected] during office hours Monday - Friday.  A selection of products will also be available to buy from the gallery shop, including postcards and limited-edition prints.  

Full details of opening times and admission prices are given on the Jerwood Gallery website: www.jerwoodgallery.org/visit/openinghours